Griffins set to honor memories of players who died in Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash

GRAND RAPIDS -- Throughout this season, the Grand Rapids Griffins will honor three former players who were members of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Kontinental Hockey League team that died in a Sept. 7 plane crash in Russia.

Starting with Saturday night’s season opener at Rockford, the Griffins will wear a special helmet sticker that honors the memories of Pavol Demitra, Karel Rachunek and Stefan Liv throughout the year. The team also will wear a patch on their jerseys during home games.

The sticker and patch both display the words “Griffins Forever” with the jersey numbers worn by the players during their time with the team – Demitra’s No. 38 in blue, Rachunek’s No. 29 in gold and Liv’s No. 1 in red.

The Griffins also will hold a moment of silence before the national anthem at the Griffins’ home opener Oct. 14 at Van Andel Arena.

In addition, Kortney Paek, the wife of Griffins assistant coach Jim Paek, has led the wives and girlfriends of players and coaches to join a hockey-wide effort to raise money for a foundation that will help support the families of those lost in the plane crash.

“Love for Lokomotiv” bracelets will be sold for $10 on the Van Andel Arena concourse Oct. 14 and at other select home games. They also are available at loveforlokomotiv.com.